The New Jersey Historic Trust, created by law in 1967 to preserve New Jersey’s historic resources across the state, has recommended at its February 25th meeting a $40,000 grant to be used for the Van Allen House & The Stream House. The Van Allen House was added to the national registry of historic places in 1973, but the historic nature of The Stream House has been a matter of debate in Oakland for decades.
The Stream House in Oakland was used as the offices for the Vygeberg Estate which consisted of 700 acres. A working farm, it was considered a residence for Edward Day Page who conducted more serious business ventures in Manhattan, South Orange and Maplewood. His personal interests included scientific studies, the arts, and publishing The Essex Register as a hobby. He was also Mayor of Oakland from 1909 to 1911. Edward Page died of a heart attack in Oakland in December of 1918 while having dinner with his wife, daughters and friends.
At the time of his death, Edward Day Page was primarily devoted to civic, and charitable work, along with pursuing his passion for art collecting. He was still active in the business community as a special partner with a commercial paper firm, and still held his seat on the Bergen County Democratic Committee, but his successful career had afforded him an opportunity to enjoy personal pursuits.
As many residents know, the Stream House got its common moniker because of the stream running under it. A trap door allowed perishables to be placed in the stream to keep cool and raised up when required. Anyone who has gone camping can appreciate the the capacity of a stream to keep things frosty, cold and delicious.
Photo from the book on Oakland history authored by John Madden and Kevin Heffernan. Click here to see or purchase….Or visithe Oakland Library